Experience Excelsior Trip Planner 2021

EXPLORE FURTHER
Excelsior Springs is ideally situated for visiting other
great tourist sites in Missouri. Take time while you’re
staying with us to explore the surrounding areas.
WATKINS MILL STATE PARK
AND WOOLEN MILL
The nation’s last fully equipped 19th century woolen mill is
on the historic site once owned by the Watkins family. Tour
the 1860 woolen mill and grist mill, the 1850 house, Visitor
Center and Museum. The state park features camping,
fishing, swimming and picnicking areas. The Living History
Farm Program, offered on weekends in the spring and
fall, brings the 1870s back to life with costumed interpreters
demonstrating agricultural and industrial activities.
JESSE JAMES FARM
AND MUSEUM
One of the most widely visited historic sites in Clay County
is the Jesse James Farm and Museum, minutes from Excelsior
Springs. Tour the cabin where Jesse James was
born on Sept. 5, 1847 and grew up with his brother, Frank,
whose exploits as outlaws are today a legend. At the museum,
visitors can view an informative video, a collection
of family artifacts and souvenirs. Daily tours of the museum
and cabin are available and fun activities are held
throughout the year.
COOLEY LAKE
WILDLIFE AREA
Just south of Excelsior Springs near the junction of State
Route N and Missouri 210, you will find Cooley Lake Wildlife
Area and Cooley Missouri River Access, both owned
by the MODept. of Conservation. These sites, comprising
1,348 acres, include the old oxbow lakes that were once
part of the Missouri upland forests, loess bluffs, limestone
outcrops, and old fields, in addition to the river access.
They offer fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and, on the river,
boating as well.
MARTHA LAFITE THOMPSON
NATURE SANCTUARY
The Nature Sanctuary provides hands-on environmental
and natural science education for all ages within its 100
acres of land. The nature preserve is designed for hiking,
nature study and observation of wildlife. Nature center,
restrooms, exhibits (including live animals), gift shop and
picnic areas. The Rush Creek Trail is ADA accessible.
TRYST FALLS
PARK
Tryst Falls is a scenic waterfall, one of the only natural
waterfalls in the area. This natural park includes
a playground, shelter houses and picnic tables.
Shelter facilities available for rental. Open dawn to
dusk.
SMITHVILLE
LAKE
Smithville Lake is a 7,190-acre reservoir on the Little
Platte branch of the Platte River in Clay County, Missouri
near Smithville, an approximately 30-minute
drive from Excelsior Springs. The Lake area includes
campsites, boating, two swim beaches, boat rentals
and much more.
FIELDS OF GOLDEN FLOWERS
In recent years, sunflower fields have become popular
for their beautiful views and photo opportunities. Tryst
Falls Park has its own mini flower patch, but other nearby
sunflower fields can be seen in bloom in later summer:
Russell Sunflower Patch
18220 Hwy B, Richmond
Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch
650 North Jefferson St., Kearney